The Holiday
Release Date: December 2006
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black
Saw it on: January 3, 2010 - TV
Rating: 7.5/10
Plot: Two beautiful women, Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet) both find themselves at the end of failed relationships just before Christmas. Amanda decides to take a two week vacation and surfs the internet. She meets Iris online, and they agree to swap their homes for the holidays. Amanda lives in Los Angeles and Iris lives in the countryside of Surrey, England. Even though they now have a change of scenery and want no contact with men, they are both still depressed and lonely. But things are about to change when Iris' brother Graham (Jude Law) drops by Iris' house and meets Amanda. On the other side of the world, Iris meets Miles (Jack Black) a film composer. Romance is in the air and sparks are about to fly.
Personal Opinion: A pleasant movie, which could have been more unexpected and wild. The running time (138 minutes) appeared to be exaggerated, and certain scenes, especially in the beginning, might be easily shortened. The cast ensemble seemed promising at first, but soon it turned out to be boring. I blame mainly directing, because the grimaces all actors were performing religiously were exasperating.
I liked Jude Law, still he, too, was making unnecessary facial expressions that fast became repetitive. Cameron Diaz was spectacularly bad, though. A better casting choice might have been smoother on the eye. I spent a nice moment, however, mostly thanks to the adorable friendship between Iris and a retired Hollywoodian screenwriter. The ending left me slightly disappointed and uncertain as of the future destiny of both couples. My idea is that Miles might stay in England, but Amanda would most likely leave, seeing that she probably didn't love Graham after all.
Yet another story of love that leaves me wondering, is it really worth all the trouble?